NORTHWICH Victoria and Witton Albion will face difficult opposition in their opening fixtures of the 1999/2000 season.

Northwich will travel to Kettering Town on August 14 for their Nationwide Conference match while Witton face the steelmen from Stocksbridge Park at Wincham Park in the UniBond First Division, also on August 14.

Kettering finished in runners up spot to Cheltenham last season and they will be determined to improve their finishing position.

Vics record against them last season will encourage manager Mark Gardiner - they drew 0-0 away before soundly thrashing Kettering at The Drill Field 4-0.

Gardiner said: "There are no easy games and I'm sure they'll be looking to avenge the heavy defeat."

Witton manager Nigel Gleghorn will face former Manchester City team mate Wayne Biggins in their opening game.

The Sheffield steel men were stopped in their tracks at Wincham Park last season as Witton ended their impressive away run with a 4-1 win.

Stocksbridge had their revenge in a close 2-1 defeat later in the season.

Secretary Phil Chadwick said: "It will be a tough game. They're a physical side and Biggins is always a handful for defences."

Witton take on Barnton at Townfield Lane next Tuesday night in a pre-season warm-up match. Kick off is at 6.45pm.

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